Thinking about holidays, traditions and family this week made me remember just how blessed I am to have had the chance to know all four of my grandparents. Three of the four of them are World War II veterans and all of them grew up during the Great Depression. Their stories of a different era and the lessons they learned have both fascinated me and enriched my life. As I reflected on my relationship with each of them, I recognized unique threads that each one has woven into my life - threads of faith, hope and love. And while each one wove many threads of each, these are the threads that shine brightest.
Grandaddy C. passed away when I was young - around nine, I think. My memories of him are mostly echos of his booming voice and imposing presence. However, in the short time that I knew him, he instilled in me the hope of things to come. He was enthralled with the second coming and lived in expectation of Christ's return. Young as I was, his example left a deep impression on me and helped me learn that there is more to this life than meets the eye.
Nanny met Grandaddy C. in the operating room when she was an Army nurse and he was a sergeant. They married after the war - and after she resigned her commission so that (she says) he wouldn't have to salute when seeing her in uniform (since she ranked him). Her stories of faith and waiting for God have been inspiring to me in my own journey. From being raised as a farm girl in Indiana to joining the Army and meeting her husband to raising her family and becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother, her life is marked time and time again by God's hand of provision and grace. And the stories that I've heard many times still serve as a reminder that God is good...and often provide many laughs along the way.
Grandaddy H. was also in the Army (or "the service" as he calls it) and served in several countries overseas during the war. He has stories too - stories that he does not often share because the memories are too painful. He served in love during the war and has continued to serve his family with love for many years. He has took a vested interest in each grandchild from an early age and did his best to make sure we saw success. For me, that took the form of making sure I had access to a computer and a piano from an early age. Both instruments have been major factors in my life and he has followed my journey with great interest and provided much encouragement along the way.
Gammy - who waited faithfully on this side of the pond during the war - also loved us well. My memories of her are filled with special holiday traditions, late night "tea parties" with special deserts, Wheel of Fortune and games of Rook. She was the epitome of a gracious hostess and worked hard to make sure that any occasion - major holidays or minor victories - was properly celebrated.
So, as I walked through just my second Thanksgiving without Gammy's gracious presence at the table, and as I made her pies, I prayed that the pumpkin and pecan are just a small part of the continuing legacy of faith, hope and love entrusted to me by my four amazing grandparents.
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